Ex-Ram Todd Gurley gives final response on lack of carries in 2019

The 2019 season for the Los Angeles Rams was a complete 180 compared to the 2018 season in which they scored the 2nd most points in the league, averaging 30.8 points per game. The offense, in general, looked out of sync. The Rams had the 7th fewest rushing yards per game; however, they had the 5th most passing yards per game last season. Todd Gurley also had his worst season since his rookie season. Fans and the NFL world were questioning if Gurley was still hurt or why the Rams were giving him limited carries in 2019.

“I try not to press the issue about nothing, so that’s just kind of, just sit back and do my job. Like it’s not my job to tell who to give me the ball, so if it happens, it happens. I’m not going to b—h about anything. I’m just going to keep quiet and do my part. But when I get the ball, you know I’m going to do good with it for the most part, especially when stuff is going good. But I don’t know what happened, man. All I know is I’m with the Falcons now.”

The former Ram was coming off back to back 1,200-yard rushing seasons and back to back 1,800 total yard seasons, including 2017’s 2000 total yard season. However, after a drop off towards the end of the 2018 season, the Rams decided to cut back on Gurley’s workload. Despite playing in one more game compared to 2018, Gurley saw 33 fewer carries with 223, which was also his lowest number of rushing attempts in his NFL career. Gurley also averaged 3.8 yards per carry which was below his 4.3 yards per carry average in his career. However, Gurley still managed to put up 12 rushing touchdowns as well as two receiving touchdowns last season for the Rams.

Too Much Money

Ultimately, the reason why the Rams released Gurley this offseason was his contract. Todd Gurley was due to earn $10.5 million this season, which would have put him near the top in terms of salary at the running back position this season. Gurley may still be one of the better backs in the NFL. However, he isn’t worth the $10.5 million. The Rams would have had to pay him had he not been cut. The Rams also have more pressing needs at other positions on the team. Gurley is also looking to be in the downside of his career in the NFL, given concerns about his knees and dip in production last season.